Day trip to San Sebastian, Talpa y Mascota (by air)

Go back centuries in just minutes! Explore a magical mountain hideaway in colonial San Sebastian, discover time-honored religious traditions in Talpa, and wander through 16th-century Mexico in Mascota all in a day when you venture beyond the beach vacation on this exhilarating tour.

After being picked up at your hotel or villa, you’ll arrive at the Puerto Vallarta Airport for a 10 am flight, where your bilingual guide will greet you and take you to either the fully equipped Cessna 402 (up to six people) or the Cessna Caravan (up to 14) for this exhilarating adventure. Take a scenic 20-minute flight over the impressive Sierra Madre mountains, viewing towering waterfalls and verdant jungles. The aircraft is designed for aerial sightseeing, with enlarged windows to provide extraordinary views and optimize photographic opportunities.

San Sebastian is a 17th-century mining town, a living museum untouched by time showing ways of living and working in a remote mountain village. Nestled in the heart of the mountains at 4,500 feet, it is filled with pine trees and boasts cool, crisp air. At one time, the town had a population of 40,000, but now you can wander the almost deserted streets of this unique village over cobblestones to the hillside plaza with its dignified white buildings and air of gentility. Without a t-shirt store in sight, your shopping will be limited to the fabulous coffee grown on the nearby plantation.

Although it will be hard to leave the charm of San Sebastian after two hours, captivating Mascota awaits you after just a 15-minute flight. The hub of a rich farming valley, this colonial town was established in 1592 and retains its colonial atmosphere. In fact, it has been said that the first settlers of Puerto Vallarta came from Mascota.

Stroll the cobbled streets, admiring the architectural splendors of Mexico’s past. A new archaeological museum, sponsored by National Geographic Magazine, displays some of the 12,000 petroglyphs discovered in the area. Another choice is to visit the Casa de Cultura, with its memorabilia from Mascota as well as paintings by local artists. A delicious lunch served at a delightful Mexican restaurant with all types of beverages gives you a chance to relax and fuel up before departing for the 10-minute flight to fascinating Talpa.

Nestled in pine-covered mountains at an altitude of over 4,000 feet, Talpa de Allende boasts a wonderful climate and is one of the most important religious centers in Mexico. In Talpa all activity centers on the town square, which spreads from the stately baroque cathedral. Inside, the beloved Virgin of Talpa occupies the place of high honor. The faithful, from all parts of Mexico, stream in continuously — most walking, others hobbling, a few even crawling to the altar on their knees. Music often resounds through the tall sanctuary, frequently mariachis playing mournful, stately melodies. When people are healed or their prayers answered, they return and leave a lock of hair and a note pinned to the wall of the church, telling of their healing and creating a fascinating mosaic of faith.
Back out in the sunshine, sample some of Talpa’s other attractions. Behind the cathedral find Talpa’s excellent, church-funded museum, where there are two floors of expertly prepared displays of Mexico. Upstairs, cases of the Virgin’s gilded vestments and other devotional objects decorate the museum’s airy atrium.
Or stroll the streets, where many stores sell the famous guava roll and tiny articles, like sombreros and baby sandals created from chewing gum made from the chicle tree, which grows locally and gave us the word "Chiclets."
Later, board the plane for the 25-minute return trip to Puerto Vallarta, admiring the mountains and jungles of the area in the slanting rays of the late afternoon sun. Arrive back at the airport to meet your driver about 6 pm, still exclaiming about your adventure seeing the “real” Mexico!